Why Do Cockroaches Like Basements?

If there’s one thing that we know about cockroaches, it’s that they love dark and hidden away spaces. This is why you’ll usually find these pests in cupboards, beneath furniture and also basements. By why do cockroaches like basements so much? As it turns out, there are a few good reasons for this.

Cockroaches like basements and here’s why 

The biggest reason why cockroaches like basements is because basements are damp. You see, like all living organisms, cockroaches need a source of water to survive. This is why you often find them in wet environments, like beneath your kitchen sink. It’s also damp basements that are such a magnet for cockroaches, even foreign cockroaches.

Another reason why cockroaches like basements is because they are dark. Cockroaches hate light. Yes, they are perfectly capable of moving around when it light, but generally they avoid it. (BTW, leaving the lights on will not deter cockroaches).

To cockroaches, dark means safety, which is yet another reason why cockroaches like basements. They also love this area because it’s out of the way. Along with avoiding light, cockroaches also avoid humans as much as possible. They know that we can easily kill them. In fact, humans are probably the cockroaches’ greatest enemy. That’s why an undisturbed basement is the cockroach’s greatest friend.

But probably the biggest reason why cockroaches gravitate towards basements is because this is where we store things. It’s more than likely that your basement is filled up with things like cardboard boxes and maybe even food. Cockroaches can feed on this cardboard and even get into your food supplies. Cutting down on things like this can help you avoid getting cockroaches.

The biggest issue with all of this is that cockroaches in your basement will soon spread to other areas. This mostly happens because cockroaches go on scouting and food finding missions. In no time at all they will come upstairs and spread to the rest of your house.

How to stop cockroaches invading basements

So how do you prevent this and stop hardy UK cockroaches? Primarily, you need to prevent cockroaches from coming into your basement. Seal up all cracks and holes and especially the gaps around pipes. It’s also important that you basement is kept clean and tidy. Do not neglect this space. You should also keep damp and wet out of your basement. If there is damp or dripping water, or anything like that, then take care of this problem.

Most importantly, do not turn your basement into a source of food for cockroaches. If you’re storing food, then make sure you’re storing it properly. All food must be placed into plastic or metal containers that seal tightly. Do not leave food in packets or cardboard boxes. Finally, you should regularly inspect your basement. Go down there every so often and look for the signs of cockroaches.